The Yale University Rugby Football Club

Yale Rugby Tour to Argentina

March 3rd through March 11th 2006

Match Reports

Tour Summary

From March 3rd through March 11th, 2006, Yale traveled to Argentina to prepare for the upcoming spring season, and to develop as students of the game. Traveling to Buenos Aires, Yale played two matches against top Argentine clubs, whilst practicing with two first rate coaches on two separate occasions. Aimed as an opportunity to expose young developing talent to the strength of the game, Yale succeeded in every aspect, providing the club with an opportunity to develop and grow on the rugby field.

Yale was scheduled to play their opening match of tour the day after their arrival. Long delays at the airport, however, meant doing so was impossible. To make up for the lost opportunity, Yale instead attended a top Argentinean club match featuring national players from both Argentina and Uruguay, gaining valuable to exposure to the faster paced rugby of South America.

Yale’s first game of tour was against Champagnat, where Yale would fall 24 – 7. Despite the loss Yale gained valuable exposure to top quality rugby, playing against former national 15’s and 7’s player Federico Alsogaray.

Yale would also practice alongside Argentinean Puma flanker Agustin Creevy and under the coaching staff of San Luis RFC. To crown off the practice session, Yale scrimmaged San Luis for a short interval after the game allowing Yale to test their mettle against some of best Argentinean rugby has to offer.

In addition to training with San Luis RFC, Yale trained under the guidance of former Argentinean Puma Rodolfo Villalonga. Each coaching session exposed Yale to new tactical concepts, and high quality rugby, adding to the growing knowledge being fed into Yale’s developing program.

Yale’s final match of tour would be against Alumni RFC, where despite playing with heart, Yale would fall again, 56 – 3. At Alumni Yale were fortunate to play under the watchful eye of professional referee Rederico Cuesta, one of 5 professional referees in Argentina.

In addition to all the rugby of the trip, the club had the opportunity to experience the city of Buenos Aires and the surrounding country. Excursions included a professional soccer match, skydiving, the beach, and a traditional Argentinean Gaucho show. In all the trip proved a remarkable success.

A special thanks is due to Henry Cook ’06 for organizing the trip and PlayArgentina.com for proving exceptional hosts and guides. Particular recognition is due to all the generous and supportive alumni who contributed to the trip to make it a reality. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and your continued support will continue to allow the club to grow.

Tour Photos
Tour Roster